The Top Six Biggest Decisions for the New York Rangers This Offseason

If you are like me, you are too bitter to hang on every last hockey game that exists past the Rangers season, although what a series Washington and Montreal just played, it has been a boring off-season so far.

Ollie Jokinen—He’s a free agent and he’s coming off a season where he earned over $5 million. Chances are good that they will decide not to bring him back.

Vinny Prospal—He’s also a free agent and he could be coming back. There are some things to figure out here though. First, how is his knee? The Rangers need to evaluate it and decide if he’s going to be productive again next season. Also, how much is he going to want? The Rangers got him cheap this year after Tampa abandoned him. Will he take a similar salary next year?

Wade Redden—Not a downright terrible player, but is not worth anywhere near the $6.5 million he is costing the Rangers each year. They will try to trade him, but will be unsuccessful. Will they buy him out or send him to the minors?

Michal Roszival—Not a free agent, he improved his play towards the end of the year, but the Rangers need to decide if he is in their future. Between him and Redden they would make up almost 20 percent of the team’s payroll next year and they certainly don’t provide 20 percent of the team’s production. He could be in Redden territory here, but he makes less, about $4 million.

Marc Staal—This is an easy one, the Rangers have to resign this restricted free agent, but how they do it is another question. He’s clearly valuable to them, but will he get a one year deal or something more long term? If they give him something more long term they may have to clear some salary first.

Dan Girardi—Another restricted free agent, but a harder decision than Staal. He’s not as talented a player as Staal and can possibly get a bigger salary next season due to the amount of playing time he has on him. I’d like to see the Rangers keep him, but I’d like them to be smart about the contract and if he demands too much, maybe a trade could be in the works.

There you have it, the top six decisions the Rangers need to make that doesn’t include the draft or other team’s free agents.